PRO PILOT COMPENSATION

Salary Study 2012

Overall in 2012 there were top compensation gains of up to 2.5% for pilots flying large
intercontinental range corporate jets. Pilots flying smaller bizjets received lesser gains or
even flat paychecks. Energy-related industries, pharmaceuticals, other medical oriented fly-
ing including EMS and government-related ops such as reconnaissance and law enforce-
ment showed increases. Helicopter use is expanding with better-paying pilot opportunities.

Pro Pilot Staff Report
Numerical data compiled by
ABCO Data Systems, Vienna VA
s we bring our collected find-
OEMs continue to offer a plethora of new business jets, turboprops and helicopters as shown in this
static display of 60 aircraft presented to prospective buyers at EBACE 2012 at Geneva.
Hence pilot opportunities are not those are the areas where we see
growing and we see salary increases opportunities for more pilot employ-

A ings to the pages of this Jun

2012 Pro Pilot we note this is
the 40th anniversary edition of Pro
Pilots Salary Study. Over the years
weve developed a system of send-
ing out and sifting through returned
survey forms plus contacting various
flight departments. We are con-
vinced that this formula of survey
results and operator research gives
us the industrys most accurate pic-
ture of pilot salaries.
This 2012 report reflects the effects
of a worldwide recession that con-
tinues to hold down corporate pilot
compensation in most Part 91 and
135 operations as well as 121 airline
ops. With the exception of some
new worldwide intercontinental air-
craft acquisitions in the US and
BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India
and China), aircraft manufacturers of
midsize, light jets and turboprops
are having difficulty selling their
products in sizable numbers.
of only 2.02.5% for long-range
intercontinental business jet pilot
salaries and a cascading lower
group of salaries as we move into
the supermidsize, midsize, light jets
and turboprops. We have some
exceptions in certain areasnamely
energy companies, governmental
and EMSbut they are not the rule.
Therefore, we stand by our results
and our 2012 salary curves.
Operating turbine-powered busi-
ness aircraft is not for everyone.
Acquisition costs are high and
DOCs are expensive. Operators
need to have a clear picture of how
the aircraft will benefit their business
in bringing sellers and buyers
together or in other ways saving
time, the most precious commodity
that private aircraft use offers.
We do see that some new buyers
both in the US and other countries
are finding the advantages of busi-
ness aircraft use compelling and
ment. The energy industry, especial-
ly offshore oil exploration and rig
supply, has become a big buyer of
both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.
Air borne law enforcement along
with reconnaissance and surveil-
lance are generating aircraft pur-
chasing, again both airplanes and
helicopters. Commercial-off-the-
shelf (COTS) use of business aircraft
for government use has expanded
and will continue to do so. Pilot pay
in these areas is moving ahead into
positive territory.
As we forecast the future we do
see a coming upturn in sales and use
of business aircraft filtering down to
the supermidsize, midsize, light jets
and turboprops. Helicopters and
hybrid V/STOL machines will also
increase in use. Taking a nod from
the successful global business lead-
ers who are making corporate air-
craft use pay off, we predict an
increasing use of some of the inven-

74 PROFESSIONAL PILOT / June 2012

 Responses by use of aircraft Responses by level of education Responses by position

0.2% logging/construction
High 0.2% PhD
1.0% Police 0.2% Electronic news
MA/MS school First officer
gathering
EMS degree
0.2% Offshore oil 6.5% Av dept mgr 8.1%
Regional 3.5% 8.7%
AA/AS 12.1%
10.6% degree
9.3%
Charter 11.0%

22.0%
21.9% 53.4% 57.8%
Chief pilot
73.3% BA/BS Captain
Corporate Some college
degree

tive new models being offered by
various manufacturers. And get your
helicopter license if you can
because rotary-wing use continues
to burgeon as can be seen by grow-
ing sales with the helicopter manu-
facturers.
Also, look to become more than
only a pilot in your organization by
improving the educational plaudits
of your resume with additional man-
agement skills.
None of us became pilots because
of the chance to become rich. The
sky called us and we always had
some difficulty explaining that to
loved ones who had not been bitten
by the flying bug. All those hours of
training, those careful log entries,
going for the advanced licenses and
type ratings. And yes, we know
about your furloughs as well. Here
at Pro Pilot we understand. We pro-
vide you with the numbers weve
collected and hope you find our
results of benefit in your quest to Responses by licenses held %
move up the economic ladder.
As you review the salaries that
follow remember that we average ATP 94.5
out a group of pilots who are within
our measured standards. What we CFI/CFII 46.4
show as low, median and high are
averages and the salaries we pub-
lish dont apply to pilots who fly for Commercial 30.3
celebrities or other superachievers.
We appreciate receiving your Helo 12.9
comments and in that regard some
readers have asked us why we did A&P 10.8
not move our curve to reflect either
their very high or very low salaries. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Remember that geographical areas,
cross training, additional duties,
management responsibilities, extra Responses by company benefits %
type ratings, a lot of hours and years
of seniority all add up to make a dif-
ference when looking at these Health insurance 90.1
recorded salary figures. What we
give you are basic figures in US dol- Dental insurance 77.8
lars without bonuses, overtime,
other benefits and before taxes. 401K 73.4

Life insurance 52.5

Methodology Uniforms 48.0

Disability insurance 45.6

T his is the 40th year that we have

conducted our Pro Pilot Salary
Study by aircraft type, matching com-
A total of 351 forms were disqualified
due to errors, inconsistencies, late-
ness and also some came from part-
Retirement 20.8

pensation to specific fixed and rotary- time or contract pilots. Profit sharing 20.2
wing aircraft models. During Mar ABCO Data Systems of Vienna VA
2012 a targeted mailing of 6730 sur- performed the required independent Loss-of-license ins 12.3
vey forms was sent out to a random data analysis. Each form was
selection of qualified Pro Pilot sub- reviewed carefully to ensure reliabili- Stock options 10.7
scribers. A total of 1382 forms, repre- ty of data. Pro Pilot also received and
senting a 20.5% return, came back compared salaries provided by vari- Car 4.0
by the May 14 cutoff date. ous corporate flight departments,
After review a total of 1031 survey pilot placement agencies and such Other 4.3
forms were accepted as being proper- activities as FAPA.aero, scheduled
ly filled out by qualified respondents. airlines and the US Government. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

PROFESSIONAL PILOT / June 2012 75

2012 US
Salary Study
An aviation dept mgr controlling flight ops of Gulfstream G550 aircraft in a US Part 91 company
fleet can earn an annual high of $259,000, an average of $198,000 or a low of $142,000.
A chief pilot flying this aircraft can aspire to a high of $214,000, average $177,000, low $130,000.

Corporate jet Average Low High

Average Low High Chief pilot

Aviation dept mgr Heavy intl jets
Airbus ACJ318/319 185,000 134,000 209,000
Boeing 727 157,000 114,000 165,000
Heavy intl jets Boeing 737/BBJ 186,000 134,000 208,000
Airbus ACJ318/319 195,000 148,000 265,000 Challenger 600/601 129,000 105,000 162,000
Boeing 727 179,000 122,000 201,000 Challenger 604/605 151,000 108,000 190,000
Boeing 737/BBJ 194,000 145,000 257,000 Falcon 7X 162,000 118,000 194,000
Challenger 600/601 168,000 114,000 236,000 Falcon 900/900EX 157,000 115,000 190,000
Challenger 604/605 178,000 119,000 240,000 Global Express/Global 5000 175,000 130,000 212,000
Falcon 7X 185,000 126,000 251,000 Gulfstream IV/G450 157,000 113,000 209,000
Falcon 900/900EX 181,000 124,000 245,000 Gulfstream V/G550 177,000 130,000 214,000
Global Express/Global 5000 194,000 140,000 258,000
Gulfstream IV/G450 184,000 131,000 243,000 Large jets
Gulfstream V/G550 198,000 142,000 259,000 Falcon 2000/2000EX 138,000 106,000 174,000
Gulfstream II 112,000 92,000 137,000
Large jets Gulfstream III 126,000 97,000 161,000
Falcon 2000/2000EX 161,000 123,000 217,000
Gulfstream II 126,000 110,000 172,000 Supermidsize jets
Gulfstream III 145,000 123,000 180,000 Challenger 300 125,000 97,000 151,000
Citation X 131,000 105,000 166,000
Supermidsize jets Embraer Legacy 122,000 93,000 145,000
Challenger 300 147,000 125,000 166,000 Falcon 50/50EX 124,000 97,000 163,000
Citation X 158,000 125,000 215,000 Gulfstream G200/Galaxy 120,000 92,000 144,000
Embraer Legacy 135,000 112,000 155,000 Hawker 4000 (Horizon) 125,000 97,000 151,000
Falcon 50/50EX 151,000 104,000 208,000
Gulfstream G200/Galaxy 133,000 109,000 153,000 Midsize jets
Hawker 4000 (Horizon) 145,000 124,000 165,000 Citation III/VI/VII 100,000 76,000 130,000
Citation Excel 100,000 70,000 130,000
Midsize jets Citation Sovereign 109,000 82,000 136,000
Citation III/VI/VII 119,000 88,000 145,000 Falcon 20/200 93,000 70,000 121,000
Citation Excel 114,000 95,000 141,000 Gulfstream G100/G150/Astra 103,000 79,000 128,000
Citation Sovereign 123,000 92,000 152,000 Hawker 600/700 92,000 70,000 119,000
Falcon 20/200 104,000 83,000 133,000 Hawker 800/800XP/1000 110,000 82,000 135,000
Gulfstream G100/G150/Astra 114,000 91,000 144,000 Hawker 850/850XP/900/900XP 118,000 86,000 141,000
Hawker 600/700 101,000 81,000 135,000
Learjet 35/36 84,000 68,000 104,000
Hawker 800/800XP/1000 124,000 89,000 164,000
Learjet 40/40XR/45/45XR 100,000 76,000 121,000
Hawker 850/850XP/900/900XP 134,000 97,000 172,000
Learjet 35/36 89,000 78,000 112,000 Learjet 55/60 104,000 80,000 128,000
Learjet 40/40XR/45/45XR 110,000 87,000 136,000 Westwind I/II 77,000 62,000 99,000
Learjet 55/60 118,000 90,000 153,000
Westwind I/II 86,000 75,000 103,000 Light jets
Beechjet 400/Hawker 400XP 89,000 64,000 117,000
Light jets Citation I 65,000 51,000 89,000
Beechjet 400/Hawker 400XP 97,000 75,000 128,000 CitationJet/CJ1/CJ2 80,000 60,000 112,000
Citation I 72,000 62,000 92,000 Citation II/SII/Bravo/CJ3/CJ4 90,000 63,000 125,000
CitationJet/CJ1/CJ2 91,000 68,000 124,000 Citation V/Ultra/Encore 94,000 64,000 127,000
Citation II/SII/Bravo/CJ3/CJ4 97,000 72,000 134,000 Citation Mustang 68,000 61,000 110,000
Citation V/Ultra/Encore 107,000 79,000 137,000 Embraer Phenom 100/300 68,000 61,000 110,000
Falcon 10/100 88,000 68,000 108,000 Falcon 10/100 78,000 60,000 104,000
Learjet 24/25/28 75,000 67,000 91,000 Learjet 24/25/28 72,000 55,000 88,000
Learjet 31/31A 87,000 78,000 109,000 Learjet 31/31A 81,000 60,000 100,000
Premier I 93,000 73,000 124,000 Premier I 78,000 62,000 105,000
Sabreliner 40/60/65 74,000 62,000 94,000 Sabreliner 40/60/65 70,000 53,000 85,000

76 PROFESSIONAL PILOT / June 2012

Dassault Falcon 7X captains can hit a high of $171,000, average
$133,000, low $101,000. First officers or copilots in the 7X can earn
a high of $104,000, average $91,000 and the low is $76,000.

Average Low High

Captain Average Low High

Heavy intl jets First officer/copilot

Airbus ACJ318/319 145,000 127,000 180,000
Boeing 727 124,000 102,000 145,000 Heavy intl jets
Boeing 737/BBJ 145,000 127,000 175,000 Airbus ACJ318/319 92,000 76,000 108,000
Challenger 600/601 118,000 89,000 148,000 Boeing 727 86,000 69,000 96,000
Challenger 604/605 125,000 97,000 164,000 Boeing 737/BBJ 92,000 77,000 111,000
Falcon 7X 133,000 101,000 171,000 Challenger 600/601 76,000 68,000 88,000
Falcon 900/900EX 129,000 98,000 170,000 Challenger 604/605 84,000 74,000 97,000
Global Express/Global 5000 146,000 108,000 191,000 Falcon 7X 91,000 76,000 104,000
Gulfstream IV/G450 134,000 99,000 167,000 Falcon 900/900EX 90,000 75,000 103,000
Gulfstream V/G550 145,000 113,000 182,000 Global Express/Global 5000 92,000 77,000 105,000
Gulfstream IV/G450 89,000 75,000 100,000
Large jets Gulfstream V/G550 92,000 77,000 109,000
Falcon 2000/2000EX 117,000 88,000 154,000
Gulfstream II 101,000 75,000 124,000 Large jets
Gulfstream III 115,000 89,000 143,000 Falcon 2000/2000EX 81,000 65,000 93,000
Gulfstream II 66,000 56,000 83,000
Supermidsize jets Gulfstream III 77,000 63,000 87,000
Challenger 300 107,000 84,000 131,000
Citation X 109,000 83,000 144,000 Supermidsize jets
Embraer Legacy 102,000 78,000 126,000 Challenger 300 73,000 58,000 83,000
Falcon 50/50EX 104,000 79,000 142,000 Citation X 78,000 64,000 89,000
Gulfstream G200/Galaxy 103,000 80,000 128,000 Embraer Legacy 68,000 53,000 80,000
Hawker 4000 (Horizon) 107,000 82,000 130,000 Falcon 50/50EX 74,000 56,000 85,000
Gulfstream G200/Galaxy 67,000 52,000 80,000
Midsize jets Hawker 4000 (Horizon) 73,000 58,000 83,000
Citation III/VI/VII 90,000 72,000 111,000
Citation Excel 86,000 66,000 109,000 Midsize jets
Citation Sovereign 95,000 75,000 114,000 Citation III/VI/VII 58,000 49,000 73,000
Falcon 20/200 78,000 58,000 104,000 Citation Excel 56,000 46,000 63,000
Gulfstream G100/G150/Astra 92,000 73,000 115,000 Citation Sovereign 62,000 52,000 78,000
Hawker 600/700 84,000 64,000 106,000 Falcon 20/200 51,000 40,000 63,000
Hawker 800/800XP/1000 97,000 75,000 125,000 Gulfstream G100/G150/Astra 57,000 48,000 71,000
Hawker 850/850XP/900/900XP 102,000 81,000 128,000 Hawker 600/700 54,000 38,000 62,000
Learjet 35/36 77,000 60,000 100,000 Hawker 800/800XP/1000 63,000 52,000 76,000
Learjet 40/40XR/45/45XR 93,000 72,000 110,000 Hawker 850/850XP/900/900XP 67,000 53,000 79,000
Learjet 55/60 94,000 76,000 117,000 Learjet 35/36 50,000 39,000 58,000
Westwind I/II 71,000 55,000 87,000 Learjet 40/40XR/45/45XR 58,000 48,000 67,000
Learjet 55/60 60,000 51,000 71,000
Light jets Westwind I/II 45,000 34,000 54,000
Beechjet 400/Hawker 400XP 74,000 58,000 101,000
Citation I 51,000 46,000 64,000 Light jets
CitationJet/CJ1/CJ2 67,000 55,000 87,000 Beechjet 400/Hawker 400XP 48,000 42,000 57,000
Citation II/SII/Bravo/CJ3/CJ4 76,000 57,000 100,000 Citation I 35,000 32,000 47,000
Citation V/Ultra/Encore 80,000 59,000 104,000 CitationJet/CJ1/CJ2 45,000 37,000 52,000
Citation Mustang 64,000 54,000 82,000 Citation II/SII/Bravo/CJ3/CJ4 49,000 42,000 55,000
Embraer Phenom 100/300 64,000 55,000 83,000 Citation V/Ultra/Encore 50,000 41,000 57,000
Falcon 10/100 63,000 52,000 82,000 Falcon 10/100 40,000 36,000 49,000
Learjet 24/25/28 60,000 49,000 78,000 Learjet 24/25/28 39,000 34,000 48,000
Learjet 31/31A 70,000 54,000 89,000 Learjet 31/31A 46,000 38,000 54,000
Premier I 66,000 54,000 85,000 Premier I 42,000 36,000 52,000
Sabreliner 40/60/65 56,000 44,000 78,000 Sabreliner 40/60/65 35,000 32,000 45,000

PROFESSIONAL PILOT / June 2012 77

King Air 350 av dept mgrs can be paid an annual salary of $101,000 Sikorsky S76 chief pilots can make $158,000 as the high annual
as the high, average $84,000 or low of $68,000. Captains can expect salary, average $119,000 and a low of $103,000. A captain flying the
a yearly amount of $86,000 as the high, $70,000 on average and S76 can reach $148,000 as tops, $112,000 on average and $97,000
$52,000 as the low. as an annual low.

Corporate turboprop Corporate helicopter

Average Low High Average Low High
Aviation dept mgr Aviation dept mgr
Caravan 55,000 47,000 74,000 Agusta A109 86,000 71,000 104,000
Cheyenne II/III 62,000 50,000 80,000 AgustaWestland AW139 122,000 103,000 131,000
Conquest II 63,000 53,000 80,000 Bell 206/206L/A119 Koala 77,000 65,000 97,000
Gulfstream I 65,000 57,000 84,000 Bell 212/222/230 82,000 67,000 98,000
King Air 90/100 73,000 58,000 94,000 Bell 407/EC130 84,000 73,000 98,000
King Air 200 81,000 64,000 97,000 Bell 412/430 85,000 73,000 103,000
King Air 300/350 84,000 68,000 101,000 Bell 429 90,000 79,000 119,000
Malibu Meridian 59,000 52,000 82,000 Eurocopter AS350/EC120 78,000 69,000 95,000
Merlin II/III/IV 65,000 47,000 78,000 Eurocopter AS355/EC135 80,000 70,000 98,000
Mitsubishi MU2 59,000 46,000 76,000 Eurocopter AS365/EC155 105,000 94,000 140,000
Piaggio P180 Avanti 75,000 63,000 92,000 Eurocopter EC145 91,000 80,000 119,000
Pilatus PC12 75,000 62,000 90,000 MD500/900 series 79,000 64,000 98,000
TBM700/850 65,000 56,000 80,000 Sikorsky S76 125,000 106,000 170,000
Turbo Commander 65,000 56,000 81,000 Sikorsky S92 129,000 116,000 184,000

Chief pilot
Chief pilot
Caravan 52,000 44,000 68,000
Cheyenne II/III 56,000 45,000 73,000 Agusta A109 82,000 66,000 95,000
Conquest II 60,000 49,000 75,000 AgustaWestland AW139 112,000 96,000 117,000
Gulfstream I 62,000 52,000 77,000 Bell 206/206L/A119 Koala 73,000 57,000 90,000
King Air 90/100 66,000 49,000 84,000 Bell 212/222/230 77,000 62,000 86,000
King Air 200 73,000 53,000 90,000 Bell 407/EC130 80,000 69,000 94,000
King Air 300/350 78,000 56,000 94,000 Bell 412/430 82,000 67,000 96,000
Malibu Meridian 51,000 47,000 65,000 Bell 429 86,000 73,000 110,000
Merlin II/III/IV 57,000 43,000 67,000 Eurocopter AS350/EC120 73,000 59,000 89,000
Mitsubishi MU2 54,000 43,000 71,000 Eurocopter AS355/EC135 76,000 60,000 93,000
Piaggio P180 Avanti 70,000 58,000 88,000 Eurocopter AS365/EC155 102,000 86,000 130,000
Pilatus PC12 67,000 53,000 86,000 Eurocopter EC145 88,000 74,000 110,000
TBM700/850 59,000 52,000 77,000 MD500/900 series 76,000 57,000 89,000
Turbo Commander 57,000 53,000 76,000 Sikorsky S76 119,000 103,000 158,000
Sikorsky S92 123,000 108,000 170,000
Captain
Captain
Beechcraft 1900 65,000 49,000 80,000
Caravan 50,000 40,000 63,000 Agusta A109 78,000 62,000 91,000
Cheyenne II/III 52,000 41,000 69,000 AgustaWestland AW139 101,000 93,000 106,000
Conquest II 55,000 46,000 71,000 Bell 206/206L/A119 Koala 68,000 52,000 80,000
Gulfstream I 59,000 48,000 73,000 Bell 212/222/230 74,000 58,000 83,000
King Air 90/100 61,000 46,000 76,000 Bell 407/EC130 74,000 60,000 85,000
King Air 200 67,000 49,000 82,000 Bell 412/430 75,000 63,000 92,000
King Air 300/350 70,000 52,000 86,000 Bell 429 84,000 65,000 105,000
Malibu Meridian 46,000 43,000 61,000 Eurocopter AS350/EC120 69,000 54,000 82,000
Merlin II/III/IV 52,000 40,000 64,000 Eurocopter AS355/EC135 71,000 57,000 87,000
Mitsubishi MU2 51,000 41,000 66,000 Eurocopter AS365/EC155 99,000 80,000 120,000
Piaggio P180 Avanti 67,000 51,000 77,000 Eurocopter EC145 85,000 65,000 105,000
Pilatus PC12 59,000 48,000 75,000 MD500/900 series 73,000 52,000 82,000
TBM700/850 54,000 49,000 66,000 Sikorsky S76 112,000 97,000 148,000
Turbo Commander 54,000 49,000 68,000 Sikorsky S92 115,000 103,000 155,000

78 PROFESSIONAL PILOT / June 2012

Charter jet
Average Low High
Captain
Heavy intl jets and large jets
Airbus ACJ319 137,000 110,000 153,000
Boeing 737/BBJ 137,000 110,000 153,000
Boeing 757/767 139,000 111,000 154,000
Challenger 600/601 98,000 87,000 119,000
Challenger 604/605 109,000 95,000 129,000
Falcon 900/900EX 117,000 98,000 139,000
Falcon 2000/2000EX 113,000 89,000 128,000
Global Express/Global 5000 128,000 102,000 143,000 Citation X captains flying for Part 135 charter ops can aspire to a high
Gulfstream II 97,000 73,000 122,000 annual stipend of $126,000, average $104,000 or earn a low of
Gulfstream III 107,000 82,000 125,000 $80,000. Copilots/FOs in the Citation X can earn a top salary of
Gulfstream IV/G450 123,000 100,000 144,000 $87,000, average $75,000 and the low is $58,000.
Gulfstream V/G550 137,000 107,000 153,000

Average Low High

Supermidsize and midsize jets
Challenger 300 103,000 80,000 124,000
Supermidsize and midsize jets
Citation III/VI/VII 88,000 68,000 100,000
Challenger 300 59,000 49,000 80,000
Citation Excel 79,000 63,000 92,000
Citation III/VI/VII 55,000 45,000 68,000
Citation Sovereign 90,000 69,000 102,000
Citation Excel 53,000 42,000 58,000
Citation X 104,000 80,000 126,000
Citation Sovereign 57,000 48,000 75,000
Embraer Legacy 90,000 75,000 99,000
Citation X 75,000 58,000 87,000
Falcon 50/50EX 100,000 77,000 116,000
Embraer Legacy 57,000 49,000 64,000
Gulfstream G100/G150/Astra 86,000 67,000 101,000
Falcon 50/50EX 72,000 54,000 83,000
Gulfstream G200/Galaxy 95,000 76,000 116,000
Gulfstream G100/G150/Astra 55,000 46,000 71,000
Hawker 600/700 71,000 58,000 89,000
Gulfstream G200/Galaxy 59,000 48,000 76,000
Hawker 800/800XP/1000 89,000 71,000 110,000
Hawker 600/700 51,000 36,000 59,000
Hawker 850/850XP/900/900XP 94,000 72,000 112,000
Hawker 800/800XP/1000 60,000 47,000 75,000
Hawker 4000 (Horizon) 103,000 80,000 124,000
Hawker 850/850XP/900/900XP 61,000 50,000 76,000
Learjet 35/36 72,000 58,000 90,000
Hawker 4000 (Horizon) 59,000 49,000 80,000
Learjet 40/40XR/45/45XR 75,000 63,000 92,000
Learjet 35/36 47,000 38,000 56,000
Learjet 55/60 84,000 69,000 108,000
Learjet 40/40XR/45/45XR 49,000 42,000 58,000
Learjet 55/60 55,000 50,000 72,000
Light jets
Beechjet 400/Hawker 400XP 70,000 54,000 90,000 Light jets
CitationJet/CJ1/CJ2 64,000 51,000 77,000 Beechjet 400/Hawker 400XP 45,000 38,000 55,000
Citation Bravo/CJ3/CJ4 66,000 52,000 80,000 CitationJet/CJ1/CJ2 44,000 35,000 48,000
Citation V/Ultra/Encore 69,000 53,000 87,000 Citation Bravo/CJ3/CJ4 45,000 38,000 52,000
Citation Mustang 64,000 52,000 76,000 Citation V/Ultra/Encore 47,000 39,000 54,000
Embraer Phenom 100/300 64,000 52,000 77,000 Learjet 24/25 36,000 30,000 43,000
Learjet 24/25 54,000 46,000 62,000 Learjet 31/31A 42,000 32,000 49,000
Learjet 31/31A 63,000 52,000 67,000 Premier I 38,000 31,000 49,000
Premier I 64,000 52,000 76,000

Charter turboprop
First officer/copilot
Heavy intl and large jets Captain
Airbus ACJ319 80,000 61,000 103,000
Caravan/Conquest 47,000 39,000 59,000
Boeing 737/BBJ 80,000 61,000 103,000
King Air 90/100 53,000 45,000 68,000
Boeing 757/767 80,000 61,000 103,000
King Air 200 58,000 47,000 72,000
Challenger 600/601 72,000 56,000 84,000
King Air 300/350 61,000 50,000 76,000
Challenger 604/605 74,000 59,000 88,000
Piaggio P180 Avanti 55,000 46,000 68,000
Falcon 900/900EX 80,000 61,000 96,000
Pilatus PC12 53,000 45,000 67,000
Falcon 2000/2000EX 77,000 60,000 90,000
Global Express/Global 5000 80,000 61,000 99,000 First officer/copilot
Gulfstream II 55,000 49,000 68,000
Gulfstream III 61,000 53,000 79,000 King Air 90/100 36,000 32,000 53,000
Gulfstream IV/G450 77,000 58,000 90,000 King Air 200 39,000 35,000 54,000
Gulfstream V/G550 80,000 61,000 103,000 King Air 300/350 43,000 36,000 56,000

PROFESSIONAL PILOT / June 2012 79


AgustaWestland A109 charter helicopter captains will earn annual
salaries that go up to $82,000 as the high, $67,000 on average or
low of $53,000.
Photo by Phil Rose
Regional pilots flying as Part 121 captains on Bombardier CRJ900s
may be paid as much as $129,000 as the high, average $104,000
and the low is $79,000. First officers on this aircraft can aspire to
$70,000 as the high, $50,000 average and $38,000 the low.

Charter helicopter Regional jet

Average Low High Average Low High

Captain Captain
Agusta A109 67,000 53,000 82,000 Bombardier CRJ100/200 85,000 60,000 118,000
Bell 206/206L 62,000 51,000 79,000 Bombardier CRJ700 101,000 69,000 125,000
Bell 230 64,000 57,000 82,000 Bombardier CRJ900 104,000 79,000 129,000
Bell 407 66,000 58,000 82,000 Embraer ERJ135 83,000 57,000 97,000
Bell 412/430 68,000 62,000 84,000 Embraer ERJ140/145 88,000 64,000 119,000
Bell 429 74,000 61,000 94,000 Embraer 170/175 100,000 70,000 125,000
Eurocopter AS350/EC120 61,000 53,000 79,000 Embraer 190/195 104,000 78,000 129,000
Eurocopter AS355/EC135 65,000 56,000 83,000
Eurocopter AS365/EC155 78,000 68,000 97,000 First officer
Eurocopter EC145 75,000 61,000 95,000
MD500/900 series 61,000 49,000 79,000 Bombardier CRJ100/200 40,000 27,000 60,000
Sikorsky S76 97,000 88,000 129,000 Bombardier CRJ700 46,000 35,000 65,000
Bombardier CRJ900 50,000 38,000 70,000
First officer/copilot Embraer ERJ135 40,000 27,000 60,000
Embraer ERJ140/145 42,000 31,000 64,000
Eurocopter AS365/EC155 55,000 45,000 69,000 Embraer 170/175 46,000 35,000 66,000
Sikorsky S76 61,000 49,000 79,000 Embraer 190/195 50,000 38,000 70,000

Regional turboprop
Captain
ATR72 78,000 62,000 89,000
Beech 1900C/D 46,000 38,000 63,000
DHC Dash 8-100/200/300 71,000 48,000 92,000
DHC Dash 8-Q400 87,000 69,000 101,000
Photo by Phil Rose

Saab 340 59,000 43,000 82,000

First officer
ATR72 42,000 30,000 57,000
Beech 1900C/D 31,000 25,000 41,000
Regional airline turboprop captains in the left seat of a Bombardier DHC Dash 8-100/200/300 41,000 29,000 54,000
Dash 8-Q400 can hope to be paid a high salary of $101,000, average DHC Dash 8-Q400 44,000 32,000 57,000
$87,000 and the low annual figure is $69,000. First officers on the Saab 340 39,000 29,000 47,000
Q400 can aspire to $57,000 as a top right-seat salary, average
$44,000 and the low is $32,000.

80 PROFESSIONAL PILOT / June 2012

2012 Major US Airline Pay Survey provided by
FAPA.aero, Florence AL. 1-800-JET-JOBS
Courtesy of Pres Louis Smith.

Future & Active Pilot Advisors

In a Part 121 major airline such as JetBlue a

senior captain flying the Airbus A320 can expect
to receive an annual salary of $152,352.

Major US airline jet

Annual pay based on 80 hrs per month and size of aircraft flown.
1st year 5th year 10th year Max
Airline FO or FE smallest FO medium Capt smallest Capt largest

AIRTRAN $41,040 B717/B737 $87,370 B717/B737 $148,858 B717/B737 $156,691 B717/B737

ALASKA $45,847 B737 $100,345 B737 $167,052 B737 $173,173 B737
AMERICAN $33,955 MD80 $98,018 B757 $152,458 MD80 $200,669 B777
CONTINENTAL $29,933 B737 $91,027 B757 $141,466 B737 $185,424 B777
DELTA $56,240 DC9 $109,275 B757 $154,183 DC9 $216,723 B747
FEDEX $58,725 B727 $123,041 B727 $198,224 B727 $242,893 MD11/A300/A310
JETBLUE $45,120 EMB190 $87,888 A320 $133,709 EMB190 $152,352 A320
SOUTHWEST $54,720 B737 $123,619 B737 $201,427 B737 $205,872 B737
UNITED $31,622 A320/B737 $93,034 B757/B767 $129,898 A320/B737 $184,118 B777/B747
UPS $33,946 All $128,698 All $217,939 All $227,674 All
US AIRWAYS $39,571 EMB190 $83,136 B757/B767 $90,950 EMB190 $153,178 A330
AVERAGE $42,793 $102,314 $157,833 $190,797

Note:
Pay shown is based on 960 credit hours per year.
Pilots for all carriers can earn considerably more with intl overrides, overtime, special credits and per diem.
AirTran and Southwest pilots merged seniority and now AirTran pilots will receive pay parity in 2014.
Former Continental and United pilots are under separate pay scales and seniority lists.
Delta (at press time) had tentative agreement with its pilots to achieve an end rate pay increase of 19.7% through 01-01-2015.
US Airways pilots are paid under 2 separate union contractsformer America West (West) and former US Airways (East).

Copyright 2012 FAPA.aero - 800 JET JOBS (538-5627)

Monthly military basic rates of pay Effective Jan 1, 2012

Pay Cumulative years of service. Commissioned officers.

years <2 2 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26
grade
O-10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15647.10 15723.30 16050.60 16620.00
O-9 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 13685.10 13882.50 14167.20 14664.00
O-8 9683.10 10000.20 10210.80 10269.60 10532.40 10971.00 11073.30 11489.70 11609.10 11968.20 12487.80 12966.60 13286.40 13286.40 13286.40
O-7 8045.70 8419.80 8592.60 8730.00 8979.00 9225.00 9509.40 9792.90 10077.30 10971.00 11725.50 11725.50 11725.50 11725.50 11785.20
O-6 5963.40 6551.70 6981.30 6981.30 7008.00 7308.60 7348.20 7348.20 7765.80 8504.10 8937.60 9370.50 9617.10 9866.70 10350.60
O-5 4971.30 5600.40 5988.00 6061.20 6303.00 6447.60 6765.90 6999.30 7301.10 7763.10 7982.40 8199.30 8446.20 8446.20 8446.20
O-4 4289.40 4965.60 5296.80 5370.60 5678.10 6007.80 6418.50 6738.30 6960.60 7088.10 7161.90 7161.90 7161.90 7161.90 7161.90
O-3 3771.30 4275.30 4614.60 5031.00 5271.90 5536.50 5707.80 5988.90 6135.60 6135.60 6135.60 6135.60 6135.60 6135.60 6135.60
O-2 3258.60 3711.30 4274.40 4418.70 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60
O-1 2828.40 2943.90 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60

Data published by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Personnel & Readiness

PROFESSIONAL PILOT / June 2012 81

Police helicopter captains flying the Bell 430 can earn top salaries of EMS captains flying the Eurocopter EC145 can expect annual pay-
$105,000 annually, average $95,000 and the low is $80,000. checks reaching $96,000, average $76,000 and a low of $63,000.

Police helicopter Emergency medical service (EMS) helicopter

Average Low High Average Low High

Captain Captain
Agusta A109 80,000 63,000 97,000
Bell 412/430 95,000 80,000 105,000 Agusta A119 Koala 74,000 58,000 92,000
Bell 206/207/OH58 83,000 64,000 99,000 AgustaWestland AW139 90,000 65,000 105,000
Bell 212 86,000 69,000 100,000 Bell 206/206L/OH58 66,000 55,000 83,000
Bell 407/EC130 84,000 66,000 98,000 Bell 407/EC130 68,000 64,000 91,000
Eurocopter AS350/EC120 82,000 60,000 95,000 Bell 412/427/430 78,000 61,000 92,000
Eurocopter AS355/EC135 85,000 69,000 99,000 Bell 429 75,000 62,000 95,000
Eurocopter AS365N 93,000 78,000 103,000 Eurocopter AS350/EC120 68,000 55,000 80,000
Hughes 500/Schweizer 330 72,000 61,000 86,000 Eurocopter AS355/EC135 72,000 61,000 88,000
MD600/900 series 79,000 63,000 97,000 Eurocopter AS365/EC155 82,000 64,000 95,000
Sikorsky S76 99,000 78,000 109,000 Eurocopter EC145 76,000 63,000 96,000
Sikorsky UH60 Black Hawk 99,000 77,000 108,000 MD900 series 65,000 52,000 76,000
Sikorsky S76 93,000 66,000 108,000

Emergency medical service (EMS) fixed-wing

Captain
King Air 90/100 61,000 52,000 70,000
King Air 200/300/350 69,000 56,000 83,000
Learjet 20 series 46,000 42,000 60,000
Learjet 31/31A 48,000 45,000 63,000
Sikorsky has done well in selling the S92 as a workhorse offshore Learjet 35/36 73,000 61,000 85,000
oil rig supply helicopter. Captains flying the S92 command high Learjet 45/55/60 77,000 63,000 92,000
salaries of $122,000, average $107,000 and the low is $90,000. Pilatus PC12 62,000 55,000 72,000

Offshore helicopter
Captain
AgustaWestland AW139 104,000 79,000 116,000
Bell 206/206L/OH58 76,000 64,000 87,000
Bell 407/EC130 82,000 67,000 92,000
Bell 212/230 84,000 68,000 95,000
Bell 412/430 90,000 72,000 98,000
Eurocopter AS350/EC120 76,000 64,000 87,000 In heavylift helicopters the captains flying Boeing BV107 twin-rotor
Eurocopter AS355/EC135 79,000 67,000 90,000 machines can go to a high of $99,000, average $76,000 and a
Sikorsky S61 87,000 73,000 96,000 low of $63,000.
Sikorsky S76 105,000 79,000 117,000
Sikorsky S92 107,000 90,000 122,000
Logging/construction helicopter
Electronic news gathering (ENG) helicopter
Captain
Captain Bell 205/212/214/412 74,000 60,000 91,000
Boeing BV107/234 76,000 63,000 99,000
Bell 206/206L/407/OH58 68,000 56,000 91,000
Eurocopter AS350/EC120 69,000 56,000 84,000
Eurocopter AS350/EC120 69,000 57,000 93,000
Kaman K-Max 77,000 67,000 106,000
Eurocopter AS355/EC135 70,000 58,000 94,000
Sikorsky S64 80,000 70,000 110,000

82 PROFESSIONAL PILOT / June 2012

2012 International
Salary Study
All salaries given in US dollars

As we go overseas we find aviation dept mgrs in charge of long-range

jets like the Global 5000 earning top salaries of $193,000, average
$160,000 and the low is $119,000. Chief pilots receive high salaries of
$164,000, average $140,000 and the low is $107,000.

Corporate intl Regional intl

Average Low High Average Low High
Jet Jet
Heavy intl jets
Aviation dept manager 160,000 119,000 193,000 Captain
Chief pilot 140,000 107,000 164,000 Avro RJ65/85 85,000 71,000 105,000
Captain 124,000 87,000 153,000 Bombardier CRJ100/200 83,000 68,000 103,000
Bombardier CRJ700 89,000 80,000 106,000
Large jets
Bombardier CRJ900 98,000 84,000 118,000
Aviation dept manager 125,000 96,000 148,000
Embraer ERJ135 72,000 66,000 91,000
Chief pilot 112,000 84,000 134,000
Embraer ERJ145 84,000 69,000 103,000
Captain 105,000 78,000 125,000
Embraer 170/175 88,000 80,000 105,000
Supermidsize and midsize jets Embraer 190/195 96,000 83,000 112,000
Aviation dept manager 118,000 89,000 130,000 Fairchild Dornier 328JET 69,000 58,000 88,000
Chief pilot 104,000 76,000 114,000 Fokker 70/100 72,000 64,000 90,000
Captain 92,000 63,000 110,000
First officer
Light and entry-level jets Avro RJ65/85 47,000 37,000 61,000
Aviation dept manager 104,000 78,000 115,000 Bombardier CRJ100/200 46,000 36,000 65,000
Chief pilot 91,000 66,000 104,000 Bombardier CRJ700 49,000 39,000 69,000
Captain 80,000 58,000 96,000 Bombardier CRJ900 54,000 43,000 73,000
Embraer ERJ135 43,000 34,000 61,000
Turboprop Embraer ERJ145 46,000 36,000 67,000
Embraer 170/175 48,000 39,000 70,000
Aviation dept manager 93,000 66,000 104,000 Embraer 190/195 54,000 43,000 73,000
Chief pilot 79,000 54,000 93,000 Fairchild Dornier 328JET 46,000 36,000 59,000
Captain 72,000 48,000 86,000 Fokker 70/100 46,000 36,000 59,000
Helicopter
Aviation dept manager 98,000 78,000 118,000 Turboprop
Chief pilot 83,000 67,000 104,000
Captain 75,000 57,000 96,000 Captain
ATR42 57,000 49,000 71,000
Charter intl ATR72 66,000 52,000 80,000
Beech 1900C/D 50,000 38,000 62,000
Jet DHC Dash 8-100/200/300 64,000 50,000 78,000
Heavy intl and large jets DHC Dash 8-Q400 73,000 56,000 84,000
Captain 116,000 76,000 143,000 Fairchild Dornier 328 52,000 41,000 64,000
Saab 340 56,000 46,000 71,000
Supermidsize and midsize jets Saab 2000 65,000 50,000 79,000
Captain 90,000 63,000 106,000
First officer
Light and entry-level jets
Captain 77,000 55,000 93,000 ATR42 39,000 32,000 54,000
ATR72 43,000 35,000 59,000
Beech 1900C/D 32,000 29,000 43,000
Turboprop DHC Dash 8-100/200/300 43,000 33,000 54,000
Captain 66,000 43,000 82,000 DHC Dash 8-Q400 46,000 37,000 60,000
Fairchild Dornier 328 38,000 32,000 51,000
Helicopter Saab 340 38,000 31,000 51,000
Saab 2000 42,000 35,000 60,000
Captain 68,000 48,000 88,000

PROFESSIONAL PILOT / June 2012 83